Eldon LaVerne ‘Verne’ Tilton, 89, died June 10th, 2021, surrounded by his family. He was born on March 4th, 1932, in Hutchinson, to Alto Harold and Viola Grace (Fox) Tilton.
Verne graduated from Sterling High School in 1950. After high school, he began working at a Chevrolet garage in Sterling. Verne later was a farmer/stockman in southwest Reno County, and a member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Hutchinson.
He loved spending time with his family, especially on trips to Estes Park, CO, helping everyone fix their homes and cars, and spending time with his beloved animals.
On July 7, 1957, Verne married Imogene A. Reece. in Laredo, KS. They shared almost 64 years of marriage and two wonderful children.
Verne is survived by his wife, Imogene of Hutchinson; his son, Mark (Beth) Tilton of Hutchinson, his daughter, Sally (Jeff) Thorsell of Douglas, WY; his grandchildren, Kara (Shane) Warren, Brent (Jaime) Tilton, both of Hutchinson; Halee (Dave) Johannsen of Sterling; Eric (Elayna) Thorsell of Casper, WY; Alyson (Braedon) Cook of Douglas, WY; his brother, Harold Tilton of Sterling; and his six great-grandchildren, Creighton Warren, Anslee Johannsen, Jace Tilton, Harper Warren, Brodie Tilton, and Dax Johannsen.
He was preceded in death by: his parents, Alto and Viola; his siblings, Jim Tilton and Marie Wegner.
Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, June 14, 2021, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 1602 N. Main, Hutchinson, with the Reverend Dr. Kim Biery officiating. Burial will follow at Laredo cemetery. Friends may call from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Saturday and 1:00 to 8:00 p.m. Sunday, with the family present from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Elliott Mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested for the LaVerne Tilton Memorial Fund (his great-grandchildren's college fund), in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.